Easter Surprise - Czech Kolache

For Easter this year I wanted to surprise my family with an old food tradition from our Czech heritage.  My grandmother would make it for "special" occasions and now I know why  it wasn't made more often!  I tackled the wonderful kolache!  I did my research and knew the recipe involved many steps not to mention the kneading, rising of dough, etc.  As I went through all the steps, I was secretly wishing that my grandmother or father was there to help (or at least 5 or 6 Czech elves!)  They would understand what a "labor of love" this feat was.  Time  (5 hours later) consuming, yes,....worth it?....yes. 

The reactions were mixed...my son, bless his heart...was full of compliments.  Hopefully, this is a food tradition that will live on.  I won't post the recipe here, but it will be in my book.  Stay tuned...

As for an Easter surprise...the surprise was on me.  My parents had planned an elaborate meal of lamb, ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, etc.  My mom was visibly tired, probably from making two beautiful lemon meringue pies, crust and all, for my father and husband. 

The BEST lemon meringue pie

 Or maybe it was because her cat, Pierre,  decided to wake her up by knocking the TV off of her dresser!  Bad cat!!  But, he's sooooo cute, you have to love him!

Pierre

And, as my dad proceeded to slice the potatoes, he sliced a chunk from his finger.  Ouch!  The chef was injured!  I stepped in to help with Easter dinner, because that's what I do...I cook!  And I don't mind...It the cleaning that gets me!  So, the surprise was on me.  I'm just glad that I can cook and serve my family on such a day of celebration.  Be Blessed!

Happy Valentine's Day and a Giveaway Contest!

Wow, it's been over 37 years since I met my Valentine, my love, best friend and husband!  Each of those  years  has been a joy.  I'm sure if I took off my rose colored glasses I could find some "rough patches", but the fact is we never chose to dwell on the challenges of our relationship.  We worked on it and still do.   That's one of the keys to a happy marriage.  Realize that you are two separate people, usually with two very different upbringings,  coming together and creating a united front to the world and its problems.  Don't let those problems become yours!  Remember, you're on the same side, the same team. With that said, I'll climb down  from my soapbox and get into the kitchen.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!   For this special day we traditionally put together a menu of our favorite foods.  Most years it was either scampi or a pasta dish  followed by a luscious dessert.  Why should this year be any different?  Last night we celebrated with filet mignon, (It was actually a gift and not my first choice.) roasted fingerling potatoes, fresh garden salad with my famous wasabi ginger dressing,  followed by a butterscotch schnapps bundt cake drizzled with a caramel sauce.  Yum, yum!

Butterscotch schnapps bundt cake without caramel sauce

I'll be posting the recipe for the bundt cake on a later post, but I wanted to mention the "giveaway contest".  I'm celebrating the "success" of  my blog and decided to have a contest.  The guidelines are on the previous post.  Please join in and let me know what your favorite food might be.  Comment, if you can.  If not, just email me using the link below. (the little box with the M in it)

Happy New Year - No Champagne for me

No blogging for 2 days! You're probably thinking I went out on the town for the New Year's celebration. Maybe I stepped away from the kitchen for a day or two? Not hardly! Our tradition for the New Year's Eve is usually fairly quiet and peaceful. I do make it a priority to serve a special meal for my family, though.

I did a little research on traditions carried out by my "homeland" countries. Also, I was curious as to what each country served to bring in the New Year. This could have some influence on what I would put on the table this year.

In the Bavarian (Czech) corner of the world you'll find sauerkraut on the table. Its long strands of cabbage signifies a long life while also bringing blessings. The green of the cabbage means more money. Whatever you serve, don't let it be lobster even though it is tempting. The reason behind this is that lobsters move backwards and you don't need any setbacks in your life! STASTNY NOVY ROK or Happy New Year!

In Ireland I was surprised to find out they spend it in a very subdued way. Traditionally, they will go into the smaller villages and ring the church bells. In Scotland the people will show up at friend's or family's house with a drink of whiskey and a lump of coal. Hmmm.

The French know how to do it up good! BONNEE ANNEE or Happy New Year! Emphasis is on food, of course... Foie gras, oysters and champagne with a sip or two of Calvados (apple flavored brandy). And they love their celebrations and fireworks!

In Italy, my husband's heritage, dinner with family and friends is a given. Lentils are traditionally served. Their round shape signifying money and riches for the New Year. I have done that in the past and actually have lentils throughout the year. Does that means more money?! Another "old" tradition is that you must wear red underwear and get rid of old items or habits by tossing them out the window. Can you visualize that one! FELICE ANNO NUOVO!

In Mexico, my adopted heritage, I discovered some traditions that were most endearing to me. They make a list of all the bad things or events from the current year and before midnight this list is burned removing all that negative energy of the past. Their homes are decorated with colorful accents. White for good health, green for money, red for a better lifestyle and yellow for more blessings and hopes for continued employment! I love that!

No matter what your tradition or heritage may be, I hope that you all have a Happy New Year!

Amaretto Balls

When I am cranky or bored I will go into my kitchen and cook, or I will clean house. Yuk, I'd rather cook. All the frustrations of the Holidays allowed me to get some serious baking done yesterday. It also helps to stay in when there is a foot of fresh snow outside! Earlier this week I revealed my homemade amaretto recipe. Now, what to do with this quart or so of beautifully sweet liquid!

Amaretto Balls used to be a tradition during the holidays as well as frosted sugar cookies and loaves of pumpkin bread wrapped and given to friends and family. One year after our trip to Italy, I wanted to start a tradition of a seafood pasta feast for the family. Lots and lots of mussels, clams, crab, shrimp and cod, yum! I thought it went over quite well, but at the risk of sounding too melancholy, I'll say that idea soon faded away, for whatever reason.

So, this year I started to bake and bake. The amaretto balls are done. I will have a seafood pasta feast for someone. Any volunteers? And it's snowing outside. My dream for a white Christmas will be fulfilled!

Although this dessert is not for children or people with allergies to nuts, everyone else will love these. The longer they "marinate" the stronger and more flavorful they get. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 cups or 1 box (11 oz.) of ground vanilla wafers

1 cup ground walnuts

1 cup powdered sugar

3 T light corn syrup

1 1/2 T cocoa

1/2 cup amaretto, brandy, bourbon or liqueur of choice

Mix all ingredients. Roll into balls the size of a small walnut. Dust with powdered sugar and place into a covered container. Refrigerate and eat.